Today’s job seekers face numerous obstacles: a recession that has eliminated countless positions and crowded the job-seeking field; ever-changing technology; and pressures to do more with less. It can be difficult for anyone to decide which career to pursue.
Best Jobs for the 21st Century helps job seekers quickly and easily focus their career options and learn more about jobs of interest. The “Best Jobs Overall” list contains 400 jobs ranked by the best combination of pay, growth and openings. Here are the top 10 best jobs overall for the 21st Century:
1. Software Developers, Applications
Annual earnings: $87,790
Percent growth: 34
Annual openings: 21,840
2. Physicians and Surgeons
Annual earnings: $165,279
Percent growth: 21.8
Annual openings: 26,050
3. Software Developers, Systems Software
Annual earnings: $94,180
Percent growth: 30.4
Annual openings: 15,340
4. Management Analysts
Annual earnings: $78,160
Percent growth: 23.9
Annual openings: 30,650
5. Computer Systems Analysts
Annual earnings: $77,740
Percent growth: 20.3
Annual openings: 22,280
6. Registered Nurses
Annual earnings: $64,690
Percent growth: 22.2
Annual openings: 103,900
7. Civil Engineers
Annual earnings: $77,560
Percent growth: 24.3
Annual openings: 11,460
8. Medical Scientists (except Epidemiologists)
Annual earnings: $76,700
Percent growth: 40.4
Annual openings: 6,620
9. Physical Therapists
Annual earnings: $76,310
Percent growth: 30.3
Annual openings: 7,860
10. Dental Hygienists
Annual earnings: $68,250
Percent growth: 36.1
Annual openings: 9,840